Hinged Retractable Power Outlet for Tight-Space Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed power outlets in narrow or concealed locations, such as beneath a desk, are inconvenient and difficult to use as users must reach into these tight spaces to plug in or unplug devices.
Innovation Solution
A retractable power outlet design featuring a mounting base, an outlet body, and a series of connecting rods with hinged connecting members, allowing the outlet body to be moved away from the wall for easier access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power outlet is fixed to the wall in narrow or concealed locations, then the outlet can be installed in tight spaces, but users must reach into these narrow spaces to plug in or unplug devices making the process inconvenient and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet structure transitions from a fixed state to a movable state through hinge connections. The outlet body can be rotated from a retracted position (close to the wall) to an extended position (away from the wall), allowing users to easily access the outlet. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the outlet operable in both narrow installation spaces and accessible usage positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power outlet is divided into multiple independent components: a mounting base fixed to the wall, an outlet body containing the electrical components, and hinge connections serving as pivot points. This segmentation allows the outlet body to be independently moved away from the wall while the mounting base remains fixed, solving the accessibility problem without requiring the entire structure to be complex.
2Ease of operation
If the outlet body is moved away from the wall for easier access, then plug insertion and removal becomes convenient, but the outlet occupies more space in the front and rear direction
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet body dynamically changes its position relative to the wall through the hinge mechanism. When not in use, it retracts close to the wall, minimizing space occupation. When needed, it rotates outward to provide easy access. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between accessibility and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet body moves primarily in a rotational dimension around the hinge axis rather than translating linearly away from the wall. This rotational movement allows the outlet to be accessible while maintaining a compact footprint in the front-rear direction, as the outlet body swings outward rather than extending deeply from the wall surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable power outlet is disclosed, including a mounting base and an outlet body arranged in front of the mounting base. A plurality of first connecting rods are arranged between the mounting base and the outlet body in sequence. The outlet body, the mounting base and the first connecting rods are all called unit components, and a connecting member is arranged between two adjacent unit components. Each of the connecting members is hinged with two unit components, with a hinged shaft at a respective hinged part vertically arranged. The connecting members are arranged at both ends of the first connecting rod.